Kami! You...have no idea how long this chapter took me to right. It took me all day yesterday and practically all day today to finally, FINALLY get it written. I've spent hours agonizing over this chapter and I have to say, I'm not all together impressed by it. It isn't my best update, yet it'll do. Sorry there isn't as much interraction between Kurama, Kagome, and Yusuke in this chapter, but you do get more insight into Kagome's mind, as well as meet a new friend, an OC given to me by another author. Of course I'vetweaked her a bit in my own way, but Ihope you guys like her. So without further adieu, I give you my update!

Disclaimer: I do now own INU/YYH, but rest assure someday I will! (Begins backins away as lawyers rush in to sue). Okay, somaybe Idon't...but I can dream, can't I?

Spies and Lies

Chapter 12

Soft laughter floated along the breeze as a little girl with cute, smoky red ears ran into a hidden portal to reach her safe haven. Upon reaching the other side, she fell harmlessly to her side landing on a sea of soft, pristine spring grass. The color was amazing, somehow managing to look more blue then green, and her burnished red locks glinted and clashed heavily with the immaculate color as it pooled under her small, wiry body. Rei forced back her pulsing fire powers so as not to damage the flowers that lay so delicately beneath her. It would not do to harm the only spot on upper earth where she was safe from harm. This little spot of heaven was hers alone and hers to protect. She would not let anyone harm this place, even if the culprit was herself, not that anyone knew this place existed besides her and those closest to her. In fact the only one who knew how to find her was her beloved father. Even her mother had no idea about this place, though that was normal seeing as how she was a human and could not see through barrier spells.

The little girl's nose twitched slightly as she breathed in the crisp morning air and her sparkling sapphire eyes closed halfway as she delighted in the peace and harmony she found on such a glorious day. Below her, Rei could feel the shift of the earth's plates, her kitsune senses trained to sense such minute changes, and her body hummed in tune to the soundless song. Rei had to be careful, though. Her powers were so strong and at times extremely overwhelming, especially on the surface. If she wasn't careful, she could burn away her little piece of heaven until nothing was left but herself.

From far off, she heard her father calling for her, his voice increasing in decibels as he crept closer to her little sanctuary. Rei sat up quickly, barely managing to hold onto the white headband she coveted that was at the moment wrapped around her forehead. The harmless piece of cloth flapped slightly until she tied the two ends off together and left the ends hanging behind her shoulders, entwining with her red and black locks. Letting off a slight giggle, the girl jumped to her feet noiselessly, long, spun hair bouncing behind her, as she flung her body into a nearby tree and landed precariously on a high branch. Her body instinctively tightened into a comfortable stance as she shifted into a more relaxed position to await her father.

It wasn't long before her nose picked up his scent, followed by her advanced eye sight spotting him with their excellent vision. Her piercing dark blue eyes immediately fell on the taller figure and softened drastically as she watched him, admiring the way his lithe form nearly glided across the earth as if he were some form of apparition. Above all things on earth, Rei loved her father the most. He was a very beautiful demon, a very rare species of kitsune, renowned for beauty, grace, intelligence, passion, lust, power, curiosity, and its ties to earth and Inari. Her father had reddish/golden hair, bright and burning, and much brighter than her own inherited red/black locks, the black carrying over from her mother's side. Rei watched intently as her father stopped just inside the clearing, pausing to be sure it was safe before he walked into the middle and stood, nose twitching just enough to let the little girl know he was searching for her. Rei jumped when her father unexpectedly turned his head in her direction, his searching yellow eyes seeming to cut right through her. But Rei knew he could not see her. In fact, his near sightless eyes could not see much of anything…at least in daylight. They were much better suited for seeing things in the dark, seeing as her kind of kitsune dwelt deep within the center of the earth's core. Rei was forever grateful that she had inherited her mother's eyes and vision. She didn't know what she would do if she could not see the awesome splendor that was mother earth.

: Come out, Rei : he spoke in her mind gently, but with command. Rei's father was the lord of her kind and everyone who had ever been in his presence had felt the power behind his voice and the steal in his heart. To most he was a vicious and victorious ruler, loved and respected by many, adored by those close, and abhorred by those on opposite sides. He was a ruthless man when dealing with his enemies, but to his friends he was extremely kind. And to Rei, he was her everything; her cherished father and mentor, sensei and care giver. She didn't know what she would do if she ever lost him.

"Can't I stay just a bit longer, papa?" Rei asked as she slid out of the tree and landed beside her father, his sunset ears picking up her slightest footfalls. Rei scowled when she felt the grass burning under her feet, realizing her father had forgotten to tone down his power. However, Rei knew it would not due to ask him to tone it down. If his enemies were to catch him unawares, he could be in great danger. So instead she apologized to the plants, dancing slightly on the balls of her and trying to cool the grass with her own inherited powers.

Rei's father was Lord Shintaro and he was a Volcano Kitsune, not to be mixed in with the Fire Kitsune. Fire kitsune were common, the most well-known species of kitsune. The volcano kitsune, however, were less than common. For one, they chose to live far beneath the earth's crust, in deep, heated caverns that allowed them to revel in their power and use it to their heart's content. It was said that their burning attacks were so affective that they could literally melt an entire demon army in less than an hour…if they ever used them that is. Most of her race preferred to stay under ground, never encountering anything that would require them to use their enormous powers.

When Shintaro cocked his head in question, Rei continued. "It's just so beautiful out and we never get to go to the surface anymore." Rei pouted. The only few times she ever got to come up was when her father was visiting with other dignitaries or when she had a free day with her mother. Since Rei's mother was human, she was forbidden to stay with her mate and the other kitsunes, but Shintaro visited with her often, never once wavering in his loyalty of her. And even after all this time, all the things she'd been taught, Rei still didn't understand why others of her kind chose to live under the earth, rather than on it. Who wanted to stare at a bunch of rocks the whole day anyway? Rei hated the suffocating feeling and enjoyed her freedom whenever it was allowed, especially since it didn't come as often as she would have liked.

Shintaro shook his head sadly, wondering why his daughter had to be so different. Most of his kind never breached the surface, content to live their sheltered lives under ground where it was safe from others that would do them harm. But his daughter, Rei, absolutely loved coming out in the sun. She was always getting into some kind of trouble as her mischievous spirit just could not be contained. She must get it from her mother; he smiled slightly, picturing the awesome beauty of his black-haired minx. Nevertheless, there were things that had to be done that day and it was getting dark. Shintaro knew that darkness in the Makai was a very dangerous thing for a young kit such as his wayward daughter. "We'll come back soon," he promised, holding back the smirk when she pouted some more. But his Rei was a very good daughter. She always did as he asked.

"Okay, father," Rei yawned cutely and jumped onto his back. "But you have to carry me home." Shintaro chuckled, but allowed her playful spirit to lighten his heart. He knew she would not always be so playful and innocent. Once she learned of the treachery in the world she would no longer be as naïve as she was. She would know one day just what sort of evils middle earth wrought. But for now, she would stay his little girl.

Kagome ran….she had to, lest she implode from all the bi-polar emotions she'd experienced that day. If she had stayed even a moment longer she would have ended up doing something costly to expose herself. And it had been so hard, so devastating to hide the pain in her eyes every time she looked at Yusuke…or Kurama. She had never figured seeing them again could be as hard as it turned out to be. But in her naivety she had overlooked the years they'd spent apart, still choosing to see her friends as they were, in the past, not as they are now. In her child's mind she could still see them as they were the day she met them, Yusuke with his childish exuberance and Shuichi with his quiet, thoughtful manner. But they were not the same. They were NOT!

All day long she had stayed there and watched as each member of her team fought their opponent. Of course Kagome had expected her team to win and she was not disappointed to learn that she was right, although they did not come back unscathed. To her greatest surprise and almost disappointment, Kagome found out very quickly that the changes in Kurama were not altogether physical ones and not all good either. Kurama had fought honorably, that was something Kagome respected, even though his opponent had tried to black mail him into throwing the fight. Kagome's mind had screamed at her, to protect Kurama. But she had stayed on the sidelines, her body refusing to react to the demands of her mind. Instead, she had been mesmerized by the transformation of her once best friend, lost in his eyes as he stared down his opponent with a ferocity that scared her to tears. He had been so calm, co cool, and yet so cruel and ruthless. It was as if he had completely changed from one personality to another. Even she didn't have her emotions schooled in such a way and to see some one as innocent as Shuichi once was be transformed into the demon who didn't believe in 'mercy' nearly caused her to lose her grip on reality.

That was the first time Kagome had ever wanted to change anything about Kurama. She couldn't stand seeing that look in his eyes. She wanted him to look as he always did, with kindness and patience. And yet at the same time, just watching him in all his mastery, Kagome couldn't resist the tiny thrill she experienced as her kitsune side took control and urged her to claim him. Her kitsune side recognized the call of an extremely strong and virile male. It wanted Kurama and it had scared her. Oh, she knew she loved him, had always loved him and would always and forever more. Except now that the floodgates of sexual tension had opened, Kagome could not seem to get a handle on her emotions. She was grateful that her cloak protected anyone from smelling her scent, for she knew any one of those Oni's could have caught the scent of a vixen in heat and tried to take her…and she did not want some low class raping her in her delirium.

Of course Kagome learned how to control the demon half of herself a long time ago and had somehow gotten through Kurama's entire fight without making an utter ass of herself.

Instead, she had rejoiced and congratulated him on his victory, nodding as he passed her to stand by Hiei, eyes following him the whole way. Kagome had stayed, as a good team mate should, through the next few matches, a bit awed and taken aback by the hybrid's power. She had studied his technique, wild but precise, amazed even more when he released the Hell Dragon, other wise known as his 'Dragon of the Darkness Flame'. She had come away from the fight with a new respect for her teammate, especially after spotting the way he hid the pain of his hand away from the others. She promised herself that she would study him during the coming weeks and perhaps change her opinion of him. Someone like him would be a powerful ally in the future and it would not do to alienate him now.

But in all honesty, nothing could have prepared Kagome for what happened next. She had been prepared to face the rest of Team Rokuyukai by herself, seeing as Yusuke appeared to be out in that moment, and yet as she'd attempted to take the arena, Yusuke's body seemed to catapult over top her head and land smoothly in the middle of the ring, directly facing Chuu.

Kagome nearly had a heart attack finding the young delinquent awake and apparently ready for action and of course she had stood back graciously, anxious to watch her best friend fight. Her blood had pumped excitedly upon finally viewing the opponent she had spotted during the opening ceremony. He had staggered as a drunk should, yet something about his movements warned Kagome he was not an opponent to take for granted. She could literally taste the adrenaline, testosterone, and excitement from both men as they courageously faced the other down in a huge display of power, guts, and determination. Although this was not the type of fight Kagome imagined for herself, it was, however, one that was perfect for Yusuke. This was Yusuke's forte, his reason for living and breathing. Her young friend had always loved to fight and Kagome's eyes had followed him for every step, punch, block, and kick he threw out there. His style wasn't anything fancy, but it was perfect in its own way. Of course, Kagome would have preferred training Yusuke herself once he discovered his latent abilities, but she couldn't have picked a better sensei if she tried. Genkai was truly a talented master. Kagome could frankly say she was very proud of Yusuke, of Kurama, of both her friends.

And then it was all over. Yusuke and Chuu butted heads…only to have Chuu break first and fall outside the circle. Kagome had rushed forward, about to throw herself into Yusuke's arms, but stopped herself just in the knick of time. Instead she had smiled at him under her hood and whispered her congratulations. Once Yusuke had been determined the winner and even challenged the entire demon audience, Kagome fled. She just couldn't bear to be around them any longer. Watching them laugh together and play and joke about the day's fights caused Kagome's heart to fill with nostalgia.

It was raining now and quite dark, as Kagome stood alone, now in the center of the stadium where her team had been declared the dinner of the first round. However, instead of screaming, chanting fans, the stadium was depleted of all noise and chaos as the battles had long since ceased for the day. But Kagome was too worried and too depressed to go back to the hotel, not when no one would be waiting for her. This time, she couldn't take shelter in Yusuke's arms, nor Kurama's. She was afraid both boys would get a hernia for even suggesting the idea, for one because they had no idea who she was, and two…well she just couldn't see two male teenagers sleeping in the same bed together, even though they'd done in just a few years ago.

And no longer, she decided, could she watch her best friends without wanting to throw herself at them and beg them never to leave her again. No longer could she stand to watch Kurama with his beautiful hair and pretty eyes and not be held in his warm arms. No longer could she watch Yusuke laugh and tease and joke around with a girl that was not her.

Seeing them today had finally caused what was left of Kagome's heart to shatter. The pieces that had begun to heal from the hope of finding them alive and well burst apart once more. The hope that she could continue fighting in the tournament, yet remain aloof until it was all over now seemed like a pretty dismal idea. She couldn't do it. She just couldn't stand seeing them within arms reach and not being able to hug them or take comfort in their loving world. They probably didn't even need her anymore. Had they ever? They had both moved on, apparently. They were happy even in the midst of such a gruesome tournament and Kagome wondered if she would have been happier not knowing the outcome of her best friends. Wouldn't that have been better than this torture? She had promised Kurama forever and what had she done? If she couldn't face him now, even as a masked woman, how was she to face him when all barriers were cast aside?

Would he accept that her intentions were good, that she was only trying to protect him and Yusuke? Would he turn her away, content with his new life? Or worse, would he accept her, only to turn her heart away when she told him of her love? Would he then treat her as he always had; as a friend, a best friend, that would never be more?

For the first time in an extremely long time, Kagome allowed her heart to bleed. She allowed the tears to well in her eyes until they blurred the color away. Feeling a drop of moisture on her porcelain face that didn't come from tears, Kagome tilted her head back and, for the first time since the beginning of the tournament, allowed the hood to fall away from her flawless face. Two golden ears popped up, only to droop sadly and her silver eyes stayed open as she allowed the stinging rain to wash away the unwanted tears. She hated to cry, hated the weak feeling that came along with it. And yet, she felt that this was the perfect moment for it. No one was around to see her or make fun of her for it…well except the old woman that had followed after her.

"You will have to tell them eventually," a voice came from behind her, reminding Kagome she was not alone. Kagome did not turn around, for she had felt the tiny woman's presence following the moment she ran from the arena. Genkai was perhaps the only one who knew of Kagome's true identity in this tournament and surprisingly, Kagome was not bothered by it. She had informed Genkai the whole truth a long time ago, the first time she had ever come to check up on Yusuke after learning about his 'death' and 'resurrection'. She had wanted to get closer and study her friend and, much to her ire and dismay, Genkai had sensed her and come to question her intentions.

:Flashback:

"Who are you?"

Kagome's eyes nearly popped out as the tiny woman appeared beside her on the branch she was currently sitting on, hoping to catch a glimpse of Yusuke. As it was, her reflexes were right as rain from spending so much time around Inuyasha and Shippo. The kit had a habit of always trying to pounce on her and Inuyasha was always startling her by popping up whenever he was clearly unneeded. Kagome straightened herself and turned to face the renowned psychic. She had been spying on Yusuke for the past week, watching intently as Genkai put him through all sorts of wacky tests and she knew what the little lady could do, regardless of her appearance or age.

For a moment, Kagome debated upon what to say but before she could speak, the old woman interrupted.

"I'm not going to attack you, princess, unless you are here to harm me or my student," Genkai spoke gruffly and some what sarcastically, catching Kagome off guard by the challenge in the old woman's tone of voice. But when her brain finally registered what Genkai had said, her eyes narrowed at the implications. She would never think to harm Yusuke…well besides the occasion whack on the head when he got out of line. But that was a long time ago and Kagome usually received one of those whaps as well, courtesy of Shuichi when he noticed them misbehaving. But the lump in her suddenly dry throat wouldn't allow her to think of that right at the moment. Still, Kagome could not go on allowing Genkai to think her student was in danger.

"Never!" Kagome cried vehemently. "I'm not here to harm you or anyone else, especially not Yusuke."

Genkai raised an eyebrow in question. "Then why have you been spying on me?"

"I'm not," Kagome denied, though it was partially true.

"Really," Genkai drawled sarcastically.

Kagome blushed a bit then jumped when she heard a loud bang. Yusuke must have fallen off the spike again and Kagome couldn't resist turning away from Genkai and casting worried, speculating eyes upon her once best friend as the teenager righted himself and tried again, muttering and cursing under his breath.

Genkai was not a dimwit like her student. She knew the young kitsune had been spying on Yusuke and she had to admit she was curious about who would want to spy on the true dimwit. As far as she knew, the only friends Yusuke had were the bigger dimwit and the half-wit girl that seemed to enjoy bugging the piss out of everyone around her.

"Who are you, girl? And why are you so intent upon studying my successor?" Kagome froze, squeaking as she remembered the psychic situated behind her. Her eyes had been trained on Yusuke for so long she had completely forgotten about Yusuke's sensei. Opening her mouth to spout out some sort of half-truth, she was stopped by Genkai lifting a hand to silence her. "And do not try to lie to me. Since Yusuke is my student, and by rights my successor, it is my duty to protect him while he trains under me."

Kagome was impressed by Genkai's will to protect Yusuke. Most of the time, she acted as if Yusuke was some kind of burden to her and to hear her openly express her concern, caused Kagome's heart to lighten. Yusuke would be safe for a few months and Genkai would teach him all she knew. He was in capable hands and Kagome could thus complete her own training before the tournament, content in knowing that he would be protected. She found herself telling Genkai everything; about meeting Yusuke, Shuichi, Keiko, about their past lives, about how they'd been separated, and even a little about the well. After that day, Kagome had come back to check on Yusuke's progress only a few times, each time having a harder time hiding her kitsune aura from him as his powers continued to grow at an alarmingly impressive rate. Genkai never spoke to her again, although she had always aware of Kagome's presence, spying from her tree tops.

:End Flashback:

That first day, Kagome had informed Genkai of her plans to join Yusuke in the tournament and Genkai had agreed to allow Kagome to take her place as the Masked Fighter, though she made it no secret she greatly disapproved of Kagome's plan to conceal her identity from him and Kurama. She thought Kagome should have come to either man a long time ago, but she allowed Kagome to do things her own way.

"I will tell them soon…eventually." Kagome sighed, turning around and facing the moon, half hidden by the raven clouds. "When they are ready…when I'm ready." She let the last part whisper across her lips, the sound barely rising over the beating rain.

"I suggest you do not make them wait any longer than necessary," Genkai warned. "You will see before long how much they need you, how much he needs you."

Genkai's words caused Kagome's heart to still and she spun around, amazed when she could no longer feel Genkai's spirit or aura anywhere in the vicinity. Damn that woman, Kagome thought crossly. She's more cryptic than Sesshomaru. Who did she mean? What HE is she talking about? Could it be Kur-no, it couldn't be him…could it?

Could Genkai be right? Did Kurama really need her? Or was she talking about Yusuke? Either way, Kagome was determined to do right by them. One way or the other, by the end of the tournament, they would know she was there. And even if they could not accept her back into their lives, Kagome would be content as long as they lived.

And they will, Kagome promised herself vehemently as lightning slashed across the sky, as if a testament to her will. Kagome's form morphed back into her human one and she tossed her hood back over her face, protection in case someone came across her and recognized her. As she was doing this, Kagome was paying no attention to where she was going and was startled when she ran into a body; a body which was traveling much faster than her own velocity.

Kagome toppled over with a cry, clutching at the person above her, hoping to stay straightened, but it was too late. With a crash Kagome fell on her back, accidentally slamming her elbows on the hard, unforgiving cement as lay sprawled on the ground. She lay still after a moment, her eyes squinted shut and her arms screaming in pain. Kagome let out a shuttering gasp and pushed the body off her, surprised that the weight of it wasn't nearly as heavy as she'd anticipated. Breathing in deep Kagome tried to force the air back into her lungs, coughing a few times, but content when she could breathe again. The kitsune carefully sat up and checked out her elbows first since they were the first part, other than her ass, of her body to hit the ground. They were scraped and bloody, but otherwise appeared not to be seriously wounded. Kagome winced when she tried to stand and instead rolled to her side. Her entire backside felt like one giant bruise and she mentally congratulated herself for being in her human appearance at the moment. If she had landed on her tails, it might have caused her some major pain.

A groan reminded the vixen that someone else was involved in the collision as well and her eyes fell on another cloaked figure, this one wearing a brown cloak. A bit warily, Kagome turned the person over, surprised when she came upon a feminine face, framed by dark red hair.

"Are you okay?" Kagome questioned, sweeping back the other girl's bangs and almost missing the disappearing star on her forehead as it bloomed red and then seemed to vanish. Curious, Kagome touched the spot and sniffed the air. Obviously that was a demon mark, and if she was right, one of royalty. Her eyes widened marginally. Another kitsune! A female! She hadn't seen another of her race in such a long time…well other than Shippo. But that was different. Shippo was her son and a child. But this kitsune looked to be about her own age. And there was also something peculiar about this one, though Kagome couldn't put her finger on it. Probing the younger kitsune's mind carefully she pulled back almost immediately.

Shadows; there were so many of them in this young kitsune's life. And they haunted her just as they had Inuyasha. Whatever this girl had been through had nearly destroyed her, though a certain amount of purity echoed deep within the darkness. That's what made Kagome feel an instant kinship with this unknown woman, regardless of the fact she had no clue who she was. Kagome allowed herself to probe no deeper in the other girl's mind. Kagome hated entering another's mind without permission, unless of course she was facing an enemy.

But she had come away knowing one thing. This kitsune was a hanyou, like Inuyasha. "Hello?" Kagome tapped the other woman's cheek, sighing when she got no response whatsoever. Kagome tried several unsuccessful minutes to rouse the other woman, only succeeding in drawing out a slight giggle when her fingers brushed the hanyou's neck and tickled her.

Rolling her eyes, Kagome dragged her battered body to her feet, wincing at the pull muscles in her arms, and hoisted the other girl into her arms, surprised that she barely weighed a thing. Her body felt very light and she appeared a bit too skinny to be healthy. Kagome wondered if the hanyou might have been ill or something, because she could even feel the telltale press of ribs as they clashed with her own.

Kagome was halfway back to the hotel, still carrying her burden, when she felt the girl in her arms start to struggle a bit in her sleep.

"No," the girl was saying, eyes moving rapidly underneath her eyelids. "Get away from me! Help! Daddy, no! Daaaaaaaaadddddddddddddddy!"

Kagome gasped in pain as an elbow barely missed her eye, clipping the side of her head and causing shards of white hot pain to pas through her skull. Kagome's eyes stung with painful tears and she knew she was going to be severely black and blue tomorrow from all the tumbling she'd done. And to think, she hadn't even fought in the tournament yet. Kagome almost wished that were the case.

"Calm down," Kagome commanded, lowering her voice and trying to rouse the hanyou from her nightmares. Whatever she was dreaming about was not pleasant…which was making Kagome's night just as unpleasant. "You are safe with me." The kitsune in her arms thrashed a bit more until Kagome was forced to use her own powers to hold the girl still. Through the force of her mind, she quieted the other girl until she was lying sedately in Kagome's more relaxed arms. "That's better," Kagome sighed, satisfied when the vixen stopped moving. Curiously, Kagome lowered her eyes, intent upon trying to study the mark that kept appearing and reappearing, and was surprised to encounter blue eyes as deep as her own, only perhaps a few shades lighter.

The girl's body tensed upon feeling Kagome's scrutinizing gaze and the muscles of her throat ached to call out for help. "Who are you?" The girl finally forced out. The girl moaned in self-pity when Kagome's mind locked her down again and simply tightened her arms more securely.

"A friend," Kagome stated simply, continuing on into the hotel and towards her hotel room, relieved to find no one about when she crept into the room still carrying the girl. "You ran into me outside and got knocked out. I carried you here so I can be sure you're all right. That was a nasty fall we both took."

Again? The hanyou groaned at her clumsiness. Her father and the rest of her kind had always teased her about her 'two left feet' as they called it. She was always running into things, bumping into corners, falling down, and toppling people over. Oh, why couldn't she have inherited the graceful walk of every other kitsune? Ah well, she'd never prided herself on being perfect anyway. It was only one of the quirks that she never really bothered to understand or dwell on. She shrugged of the embarrassed feeling and apologized profusely. "I'm sorry," she gushed. "You wouldn't believe how many times this has happened to me."

"So you always go around running into people?" Kagome questioned humorously.

"No…sometimes I hit walls too," the other girl confessed, as though not embarrassed at all by her rather unstable walk. She laughed at Kagome's expression until both girls were laughing freely with each other. Kagome set Rei down and turned away, rubbing her frigid arms. They were nearly frozen from the rain. "Would you like to stay for some tea or coffee? It is rather chilly in here and we're both soaked to the bone. I have some clothes if you'd like to get comfortable."

Rei regarded the other female suspiciously, searching for any ill-intent. Upon finding none, she finally nodded and accepted graciously. "Thank you. I really have no other place to be anyway. It is very kind of you."

"It's no problem. My name is Kagome."

"Rei."

"So what were you doing outside so late?" Kagome asked curiously as she set about making some hot tea. Kagome tossed her cloak off, content with the knowledge that everyone else would be asleep by now so no one would see her. She rung out her damp hair and took Rei's cloak to hang with her own.

Rei's eyes narrowed and she tossed her red curls behind her head, grateful that her ears were now freed from that contraption known as the hood. She always hated the pressure they put on her ears, and yet she knew it was necessary. In her profession she needed to be discrete. "I could ask you the same question."

Kagome shrugged carelessly and let the question drop. She was only curious; not trying to press for questions. She didn't care about Rei's reasons. Everyone had secrets…why try to expose them when they weren't any of her business?

"So you are a hanyou." Kagome stated bluntly, zeroing in on the ears as they perked, taking in the new sights and smells. Kagome debated about whether to let down her own spell and finally allowed the illusion to shift, hoping that it would keep from frightening Rei. Most hanyous were wary of full breeds and humans, afraid they would be persecuted just by being seen. Kagome sighed and freed her golden locks from the long braid she usually wore, allowing the long strands to hang loose and free as they tumbled gloriously down her back. The sky blue streaks from her childhood had almost fully faded away, leaving only two on each side of her face, though the tips of her ears and her tails were still colored the same. Her body filled out the contours of the rough leather apparel she wore underneath her cloak, though the leathery material did nothing to hinder her movements. In fact, the leather was specifically designed to move with her body and allow it the freedom to slide gracefully into any stance.

Kagome sighed with pleasure and then noticed Rei's wide, almost horrified eyes.

Rei couldn't believe her eyes when she saw what appeared to be a human girl transform effortlessly into a sultry vixen. The woman before her looked nothing like the innocent young girl who had brought her home just moments before. Sharp, slanted silver-blue eyes studied at her from under full, sooty-black lashes and the vixen's golden mane tumbled over her shoulders, making her appear angelic and urethral. A golden kitsune; she had run headfirst into a golden kitsune! Almost instantaneously, Rei began to feel slightly apprehensive and more than a bit afraid. Although most kitsune seemed to tolerate other races, it didn't mean they necessarily liked them. As if Kagome was reading her thoughts (and she was at the moment) Kagome interrupted Rei before she could flee or dive into a million questions.

"Don't worry," she soothed. She turned away from Rei to take the now boiling pot off the stove. Rei's eyes never left Kagome's body as the older kitsune's elegant fingers picked out two mugs, filled them with the boiling brew, and then placed two tea bags in each mug. Rei had almost forgotten what they were talking about when the other kitsune spoke up again, thus destroying all her insecurities. "I do not hate hanyous so you have nothing to fear from me." The smile transformed her face and once again Rei was awed by the transformation, believing every word the golden spoke.

Kagome and Rei spent a delightful hour getting to know each other, though neither one brought up their reasons for being at the tournament. Kagome began to cherish her time spent with the new kitsune, content in sitting idly by and conversing quietly about some of her adventures in the Makai before venturing into the human realm. Rei seemed to enjoy listening to her stories and in exchange confessed some of her own as well. The girls were taking so much pleasure in learning about the other that neither noticed it was getting severely late until Kagome noticed color beginning to seep over the horizon.

"Wow, I didn't realize it was so late," Rei commented sleepily, eyes barely open as she took a glance at her watch. It was nearly 5:00 in the morning. Rei stood. "I suppose I should let you get some sleep since you're fighting in the tournament tomorrow."

Kagome tensed at the comment. "How did you know about that?" She nearly growled and Rei smirked, pointing one of her sharp talons at the Kagome's cloak. "I noticed a masked figure wearing this yesterday during the opening ceremony and since that one appears to be nearly identical to the one I saw earlier, I merely took a gamble…and you just confirmed it."

Kagome looked a bit frightened that someone knew her true name and was unsure about what to say or do next. Finally she sighed in resignation and dropped her head in her hands. "Look, just please don't tell anyone you know about me. My…situation…is delicate and so are my reasons for wearing this cloak. I'm only trying to get through this tournament without exposing myself so I would appreciate if you could keep this between us."

Rei smiled warmly. "Of course I will. I trust you and I won't betray that trust."

Kagome's heart nearly stopped. It had been a long time since anyone had told her that; and hearing it from someone new made her heart swell. "Thank you," she whispered quietly and then added, "hey, would you like to stay over tonight? Our match isn't until tomorrow afternoon and I'm sure you're just as exhausted as I am. Maybe we can even spar tomorrow before the match starts. I have no idea when I'll get the chance to fight so I should keep my skills sharp."

Rei thought about it and agreed, choosing to take the couch her new friend offered. Kagome was the first actual friend Rei had ever made and she wanted a chance to get to know her…at least until the end of the tournament. And then maybe she could die in peace…if Toguro didn't kill her before finding it.

Long after Rei had fallen asleep, Kagome lay awake in her bedroom unable to sleep. She wanted to see them, just once, and so decided to check on her team, being careful to keep her kitsune senses locked tight. She would check on them just once and then she could sleep in peace, knowing they were safe. Yusuke and Kuwabara's room was first, as the snoring confirmed it. But she was unconcerned by the noise and crept into the room, spotting her raven-haired friend almost instantly...not that the loud sawing didn't give him away. The other bed was occupied by a red head, though definitely not the one Kagome was expecting to see. She'd been expecting to see Kuwabara, not Kurama. The déjà vu hit her like a blow to the head, such as the one she was currently recuperating from, courtesy of her new friend. Of course then her mind registered that this was in fact the present…and that both boys were lying in separate beds.

The vixen shook her head to clear the sudden wave of dizziness and carefully navigated through the room, coming to a rest beside Yusuke's bed, dropping down onto her haunches. She couldn't resist kneeling beside him and running a lone finger through his unruly bangs, fighting the urge to yank on the inky locks and wake him up to reveal herself. And yet the threat of Toguro hung over her head. And there was still that little fear of hers; that he wouldn't recognize her, that he had forgotten her.

Kagome's clear eyes studied his face, more masculine and rugged then what she remembered, already noting the slight bruising from the beating he'd taken yesterday….or was that still today?

Covers were strewn about everywhere and Yusuke was only half on the bed as he must have been dreaming about kicking someone's ass. "Ha, take that Toguro!" Yusuke suddenly shouted, sitting up on the bed with sightless eyes and scaring the wits out of the young kitsune. Kagome dove to the side, fearing her cover had just been blown, shaking so badly she was sure she'd cause an earthquake. When nothing happened, Kagome sat up warily only to find Yusuke lying flat on his back, snoring soundly again. The vixen snorted and slid on her knees closer to the delinquent's side, urging his heavy body back underneath the sheets and pulling up the comforter. Yusuke gave a little sigh of pleasure as he snuggled into the covers and Kagome found herself itching to join him. In fact, the childish part of her heart was already lost in the past, pouncing on the bed and joining him in the realm of sleep. She absently wondered if she would still fit so snuggly in his arms.

He was a lot bigger than she was now, taller by several inches, but that didn't matter to her. He was still Yusuke, through and through. And no matter how much he grew or aged, she would always feel at home in his arms.

Kagome glanced down at her best friend one more time, gently sweeping his bangs back from his face and gazing intently at the man her childhood friend had become. "Good night, Yusuke," she finally whispered, kissing his forehead and turning towards Kurama's bed.

Her eyes landed on his face first, milky white and pale in the waning moonlight, but it was his body she noticed second. He was lying on his stomach, face pointed towards Yusuke's bed, arms and legs free of any article of clothing. Kagome felt heat pool within the center of her legs upon viewing the awesome slender of the man she'd always secretly loved. His naked back was bare to her and the sheet sliding down gave her a rather enticing view of his backside. Her hungry eyes began to glaze over with hunger and she literally had to restrain her demon side from leaping on the poor man and raping him….the same thing she was doing in her mind.

Kagome froze when Kurama turned over slightly and whispered what she thought was her name. His eyes opened slightly and blinked a few times.

"I have to get out of here." Kagome fled the room, barely hearing Kurama whisper her name upon the entrails of her rather hasty retreat. Heart racing and dangerously close to beating right out of her chest, Kagome sped into her room, thrusting the door closed with a loud bang, locking it, and then collapsing on her bed, tear tracks still present on her colorless face long after she'd fallen into a fitful sleep. Kagome spent the rest of the night and all of morning, tossing and turning, and dreaming of the past…where she was safe.

I'm done! Finished! So...do you consider that last scene a cliff hanger? Hm, I guess it could go either way. One way or the other, to find out what happens next, you must continue reading the story...no matter how slow updates are. I promised you guys I would finish this story, and by kami, I will! Anyway, Rei was not originally my idea. She was suggested by FoxylilRaven as a possiple mate for Yusukeand I have sincedecided to use her in my story. Yes, it is true, Yusuke will be getting a mate that is not Keiko. Thank you for giving me the idea, Raven, it was an interesting one. I know I've changed a few things but I had to to fit her into my story. Anyway, I think that's about all for the night. I hope this wasn't too horrible and that you all enjoyed it, even though there was hardly interraction between my three favorites. Hope you all continue reading...and pleeeeeeeeeease review!

Ja ne.

Kura